Saturday, November 19, 2011

Pleasures Await Back In Key West Florida Where We First Fell In Love

By Peter Estenoz


As returning visitors we have a chance to relive what we experienced back in Key West Florida where we first fell in love. An inimitable southern air with a dash of Caribbean spice and relaxed lifestyle give this isle its distinctive flair. No wonder famous faces have flocked here to relish an island home or to simply gain some respite in winter.

More than a million travelers arrive annually. They are drawn to visit this paradise isle lying at the southernmost point of the mainland. They quickly learn why President Harry Truman mused about making his Winter White House permanent.

This Key and most of the other Keys are situated on the dividing line between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. These two bodies of water have different currents. The calmer and warmer body of water is the Gulf of Mexico. This is a great place to go diving or to snorkel and see the many fish species and the only coral reef in North America.

The island lies within the city of Key West which also covers the territory of close by islands. The historic district is situated in the first settlement area of older mansions and bungalows in the Old Town. Most are from the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. Some of the popular tourist destinations can be found here. These include Mallory Square, Duval Street, Fort Zachary Taylor and the Truman Annex.

Landfill built up the island to increase its size. There are four distinct regions. The distinctive regions are the Old Town area, Casa Marina, Mid Town and New Town areas. The New Town region is a more modern section. It has housing areas, schools, ball parks, retail centers, shopping malls and the airport.

There are plenty of things to do on land or on the water during your visit. Tourist haunts include shipwreck treasures, discovering the haunts of literary notables, viewing the Victorian architecture and lush gardens frequented by former visiting heads of state. Jet skiing, parasailing, sunset cruises, glass bottom boat tours and Dolphin watch tours are available year round. World class fishing can be enjoyed on both the shallow water flats and out at sea beyond the coral reef.

Back in Key West Florida where we first fell in love are plentiful things to do. Of course, one must savor the fabulous sunsets with a romantic stroll. Evenings become lively with the performers, vendors, artists frequenting places like Mallory Square. The enticing warmth of this sunny isle remains a constant lure for those lucky enough to visit.




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